MODELS> MOLDS > PRODUCTION > GLASS SLUMP MOLDS
In order to have your design reproduced efficiently and flawlessly using the slip-casting method, these 4 steps must be taken:
1. MODEL: The object we create your mold from. It can be made of a variety of materials, we typically use plaster because it is rigid and can be tooled and polished.
2. MASTER MOLD: The original plaster mold of your model.
3. MOTHER MOLD: A rubber mold of your master mold, used to produce the working mold.
4. WORKING MOLD: Plaster molds used in the clay production process.
MODEL MAKING
By using traditional clay forming methods (wheel thrown or hand built) and plaster lathe turning, we can create your models from your sketches or blue prints ranging from production dinnerware to customized glass casting applications. Because of our understanding of what mold design works best in a production setting, the models we construct for slip-casting are specifically designed to work well in a production atmosphere. This increases efficiency and overall quality of the product. Our models can be designed to compensate for shrinkage in a specific slip-casting body or can be used for molds in glass and metal applications. Many of the tools used in this process have been customized to our specific needs in order to produce a flawless working model.
MOLD MAKING
Mudshark studios offers custom plaster molds specific to slip-casting. These molds are made from your own model, or a prototype we have designed to your specifications. Once we have completed your model, the next step is to make a master mold. The master mold is made of plaster and will look exactly like the working molds. (If you do not require multiple molds, then the master mold becomes your working mold)This master mold will only be used to make the rubber mother mold. Each rubber mother mold is an individual mold of each mold part that makes up the master mold. The rubber mother mold is made from a very strong and rigid two part pourable polyurethane rubber. Once the rubber mother mold has been made, then the plaster working mold can be made.
These working molds are made using pottery#1 plaster, the plaster is mixed using the proper water to plaster ratio and poured into the rubber mold. After 1 hour each plaster mold part is taken out of the rubber mold and put together to create a working mold. These working molds can be produced rapidly in order to meet production demands.
PRODUCTION
Once Mudshark Studios has created your models and molds, we can begin the manufacturing process. This is done by pouring slip (liquid clay) into your plaster working mold for a specific amount of time. Once the slip has been inside the plaster working mold long enough, the mold is turned over and the slip is poured out. What is left inside the mold is only the slip that touched the plaster mold. The mold is then left overnight, and the next morning the plaster working mold is taken apart and out comes the object. Mudshark Studios has the facilities to work with almost any type of clay and casting body as well seeing your product through the various stages of completion. Our production methods offer the highest quality of work in a timely fashion. We can ship your finished product straight to you or your clients. We take pride in shipping only products that pass through our vigorous quality control process, and guarantee satisfaction
GLASS SLUMP MOLDS
Mudshark studios offers Custom glass molds designed specifically for slumping glass. These glass slumping molds often have a wide base and sloping sides in order to provide a stationary platform, as well as vent holes around the sides to allow for proper heat ventilation. Other smaller vent holes are placed inside the mold in order to allow the glass to slump evenly into all edges of the mold. Mudshark studios can create the model for your glass slumping mold using your blueprint, or sketch. Once the model is complete and meets your specifications, a plaster slip-cast mold will be made directly from your model. Using this plaster slip-cast mold, we will cast your ceramic glass slump mold. Using your own, custom designed glass slumping mold, will give you the opportunity to create new and exciting products. Below are a few examples of custom glass slumping molds and the processes used to make them.
